When your heart’s aortic valve isn’t working properly, every beat becomes a struggle. For patients with aortic valve stenosis, simple activities like walking to the mailbox can leave them breathless and exhausted. Thankfully, there’s a less invasive solution available — Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR). At New Jersey Cardiology Associates (NJCA), our board-certified cardiologists in West Orange and Belleville specialize in performing this innovative procedure, helping patients regain their energy and improve their quality of life.
What Is TAVR?
TAVR is a catheter-based heart procedure that replaces a narrowed aortic valve without the need for open-heart surgery. This is particularly beneficial for patients who may be at higher risk from traditional surgery due to age, health conditions, or other factors.
In aortic valve stenosis, the valve leaflets become thick and stiff, making it harder for blood to flow from the heart to the rest of the body. Over time, this can lead to chest pain, dizziness, fatigue, heart failure, and even death if untreated.
Who May Benefit From TAVR?
Your cardiologist may recommend TAVR if you are:
- Experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, fainting, fatigue, or shortness of breath
- Diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis
- At moderate or high risk for open-heart surgery
- Living with a previously replaced valve that is no longer functioning correctly
How the Procedure Works
Before: You’ll undergo a thorough evaluation, which may include imaging, blood work, and a review of your medical history. Your cardiologist may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection.
During: While under anesthesia, a catheter is inserted through a small incision, usually in the leg. The new valve is positioned inside your existing valve and expanded — sometimes with the help of a balloon — to restore proper blood flow.
After: Most patients spend two to five days in the hospital. Your care team will monitor your heart closely and provide recovery guidance, including healthy eating and exercise recommendations.
Risks to Consider
As with any procedure, TAVR comes with potential risks, including bleeding, stroke, heart attack, kidney problems, arrhythmias, or complications with the replacement valve. Your NJCA cardiologist will discuss these with you and determine if TAVR is the safest choice for your situation.
Take the Next Step
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with aortic valve stenosis, you don’t have to wait. Contact New Jersey Cardiology Associates to schedule your consultation today.